Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryPlanning Holiday Meals on a Thrifty Budget



Planning Holiday Meals on a Thrifty Budget

Author: Jacqueline Doucet

Planning Unit: Boyd County CES

Major Program: Financial Education - General

Plan of Work: Nutrition and Food Matters And Healthy Family (Community) through Healthy Individuals

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Inflation has driven the cost of groceries higher in recent years. According to the USDA Economic Research Outlook (2023), in 2022, food-at-home prices increased by 11.4%, more than three times the 2021 rate. Additionally, food prices are expected to continue rising throughout 2023 and increase by another 8%.

These historically high average prices make meal budgeting, especially holiday meals which tend to cost more, extremely important. To address this issue the Boyd County Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences taught Planning Holiday Meals on a Thrifty Budget to 15 participants. The lesson focused on ways to plan a menu on a budget and thrifty grocery shopping strategies.

A post-survey evaluation showed the following outcomes: 

• 100% strongly agreed or agreed that they could identify ways to save money when planning a holiday meal.

• 95% strongly agreed or agreed that they could develop a budget-friendly shopping plan for a holiday meal.

• 75% strongly agreed or agreed that they intend to create a holiday menu using budget-friendly foods.

• 70% strongly agreed or agreed that they intend to apply the five-shopping trip strategy for budgeting future holiday meals.

In addition, participants intend to share this lesson with others, extending the reach of this information

to an additional 15 individuals. One participant noted, "This information is something that I can really use around the holidays since I have a large family and often have to plan a large meal. Which can get expensive." Another participant noted, "I like the idea of providing the main dish for the meal, and requesting other guests to bring a side dish or beverage." A third participant noted that "A little bit of planning and organizing seems to go a long way with saving on money, time, and stress!" 








Stories by Jacqueline Doucet


Building a Better Smoothie

about 15 days ago by Jacqueline Doucet

Smoothies are popular with people of all ages, from small children all the way to older adults. They... Read More


Planning Holiday Meals on a Thrifty Budget

about 3 months ago by Jacqueline Doucet

Inflation has driven the cost of groceries higher in recent years. According to the USDA Economic Re... Read More


Stories by Boyd County CES


A Stitch of Hope: How 4-H Sewing Sparked a New Love for School

about 18 hours ago by Rebecca Stahler

When the Boyd County 4-H Quilts of Valor – Under Our Wing sewing club launched at Boyd County Middle... Read More


Agricultura Appreciation Dinner

about 3 days ago by Meredith Hall

Describe the Issue or Situation.Boyd County has approximately 187 farms. Of these farms only 87% hav... Read More


Stories by Financial Education - General


The Holiday Road Show 2024

The Holiday Road Show 2024

about 3 months ago by Rosa Smith

This year, the Quicksand Area Holiday Road Show brought festive inspiration and practical solutions ... Read More


Fuss Free Holidays series

Fuss Free Holidays series

about 3 months ago by Abbigale Gray

The Fuss Free Holidays program series successfully engaged 41 participants across three interactive ... Read More